She's only been on the job as the new general manager at the Mall at Partridge Creek for a couple of months, but already Melissa Morang is seeing improvements.

The hallway leading to the management office has been painted taupe, there are plans for a do-it-yourself Christmas gift wrapping center in the works, and most importantly, there are four new tenants signed up.

"That was all done before I got here," Morang said, with a laugh. "That's the work of our corporate offices at Starwood Retail Partners and our leasing team. They're doing a great job. But I am excited for our customers and other tenants."

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Regardless of who gets the credit, four new retailers are coming in the next few months, including:

• American Eagle/Aerie - A Pittsburgh-based lifestyle clothing and accessories retailer and its lingerie sub-brand will open in December in an 18,000-square-foot store

• Burger Fin - Scheduled to open in January in the 7,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Blackfinn Ameripub, this new restaurant concept focuses on burgers and sushi. The menu also has salads, desserts and spirits

• Detroit Axe - An establishment dedicated solely to ax throwing in a 3,700-square-foot entertainment space scheduled to open in December. This will mark Detroit Axe's latest location along with Ferndale

• Lululemon - Lululemon is expanding its current pop-up space into a permanent location. It offers clothing for yoga, dancing, running and other sweaty pursuits.

Melissa Morang, who has 20 years of retail marketing experience, is the new general manager at the Mall at Partridge Creek.

DAVID ANGELL -- FOR THE MACOMB DAILY

David Angell

Located on Hall Road (M-59), east of Garfield Road, the outdoor shopping center opened in 2007 with nearly 90 stores and restaurants and the MJR Digital Cinema 14. In addition to a steady calendar of special events, it offers free WiFi, a 30-foot fireplace, and is dog-friendly, with several canine comfort stations available.

The new stores and restaurants are welcome news for shoppers after the mall endured a number of high-profile tenants in the past two years.

M's Table + Bar, Blackfinn Ameripub and Carson's department store all shut down in 2018, followed by Nordstrom earlier this year. The departure of Carson's and Nordstrom left the shopping center with no department store anchors.

According to retail analysts, given the large amount of space the big-box retailers occupied, it likely will take 2-3 years to fill the vacancies.

Morang said Starwood's leasing team is focused on filling those spots, but not in a rush to do so.

"Our leasing team has had lots of different conversations about new tenants and new concepts, but nothing has been firmed up," she said.

In the meantime, the Carson's building will be used for a do-it-yourself gift-wrapping center to be titled Put a Bow on It. There will be "a plethora" of gift-wrapping supplies customers can use at no cost to wrap their gifts purchased from Partridge Creek. On weekends, various charities will man the facility and customers are invited to make donations.

There also has been rumors that Macy's may leave Lakeside Mall down Hall Road, a rumor Morang says "is just a rumor at this point."

American Eagle clothing store is scheduled to open sometime in December.

DAVID ANGELL -- FOR THE MACOMB DAILY

Likewise with the building that used to house M's Table + Bar. "I know our team is actively working to fill that space," she said. "I'm not sure anything will happen in 2020, but I sure hope so."

On Tuesday, Kara Parker and Angie DeWitt were ushering a group of their children and friends around the mall thanks to a snow day off from school.

Parker, a Shelby Township resident, said she was glad to hear about Lululemon expanding. "We love going to Cooper's Hawk and then shopping here afterward. I heard about Lululemon and I'm glad to see happening," she said.

DeWitt agreed.

"This mall has a great family atmosphere," the Chesterfield Township woman said. "It's a fun place to come with the kids and go to the movies, have lunch here at a great restaurant or for a girl's night out at Cooper's Hawk."

For Morang, a New Jersey native who grew up in Rochester Hills, her new role marks a return to Partridge Creek. She formerly was marketing-sponsorship director in 2014, a position she left to take one with The Taubman Company.

She has 20 years of retail marketing experience.

"Retail really is evolving," Morang said. "But Partridge Creek has great dining, a great retail mix and great experiences. It's a welcoming place for the entire region, families and their fur babies. Our events throughout the year make a big difference because they help create those experiences."

The Mall at Partridge Creek is located at 17420 Hall Road, Clinton Township. For more information, visit shoppartridgecreek.com.